d from Spain to Cairo, in Egypt, from fanaticism and
persecution. There he studied the Greek and Chaldaic languages, becoming
master of both after seven years' attention. His fame spread through the
country. His scientific standing and his general knowledge were
universally recognized, and his books were not only valued by his
brethren in faith, but by all the cultured and enlightened of his day.

It is said that the king of Egypt appointed him as one of his staff of
physicians. The enlightened men of the kingdom were divided into seven
grades, each grade occupying a corresponding position near the throne of
the king on state occasions. The monarch considered Maimonides so much
superior to the others that he made for him a special position. This,
Moses, a modest man, declined. The other physicians, however, were
jealous of his high standing, and being unable to injure him openly,
they endeavored to accomplish his ruin in a secret manner.

The king was taken very sick, and Maimonides attended him. Taking
advantage of this, the physicians put poison in the draught which Moses
had prepared for him, and then informed the king that the latter
designed his death. To prove their words, they gave some of the mixture
to a dog, and the animal died.

The king was grieved and surprised, and Maimonides, struck dumb with
amazement, was unable to say a word.

"Death is the penalty for one who attempts to assassinate his ruler,"
said the king. "Choose now the mode of thy punishment."

Moses asked for three days for consideration, which the king granted.
During this time he prepared a certain mixture, and instructed his
pupils to have it ready and apply it according to his directions, when
he should be brought home senseless. He then appeared before the king,
and desired to have his veins opened. The vital artery was missed, as he
had anticipated, and the result was as he had foreseen. After his
recovery, he fled from Egypt, taking refuge in a cave, where he wrote
his _Yad Hazakah_ (the "Strong Hand"), consisting of fourteen divisions,
typified by the word _Yad_, which also means fourteen.

Maimonides simplified the Talmudical rules and traditions, making them
clear to the comprehension of all. He was the author of an exhaustive
work, entitled, _Mishne Torah_, the "Second Law," which was eagerly
copied and extensively disseminated. He also wrote many philosophical
treatises leveled against atheism, and designed to prove that God
p